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Things To Do In Orlando On A Budget
by Elsie Young World travelerNo cost in Orlando! YES! You heard it right. Orlando offers a treasure trove of no-cost adventures, making it the perfect destination for those seeking budget-friendly activities. If you’re short on money but eager to discover Orlando’s many wonders & hidden treasures, stay tuned to this blog.
We’ll help you discover how to explore Orlando’s beauty and “Things to Do in Orlando on a Budget.” Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, we’ve covered you with Orlando’s free tourist options. Stay tuned as we guide you through an exciting journey of free activities in Orlando, ensuring a memorable and budget-friendly trip!
So, what are you waiting for? Get up and go out with your adventurous mind.
8 Fantastic Things to Do in Orlando on a Budget
The magic of Orlando without breaking the bank! Orlando isn’t just about costly theme parks and expensive attractions. There’s a wealth of free experiences waiting to be discovered. Here are eight fantastic things to do in Orlando for free, and with the savings from the best hotel deals, you’ll have even more to enjoy.
1. Visit Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is a beautiful 43-acre urban park in the heart of downtown Orlando. Moreover, it’s a great place to relax, take a walk, or have a picnic. The park also hosts various free activities and events throughout the year, making it one of the notable things to do in Orlando for free.
Important Information
- Address: Lake Eola Park is located at 195 East Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32801.
- Hours: The park is open from 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.
- Parking: Parking is available at the park for a fee.
Highlights
- Take a walk or bike ride around the lake.
- Visit the swan boat rental dock and rent a swan boat for a spin around the lake.
- Play in the splash pad or fountain.
- Visit the Lake Eola Farmers Market on Sunday mornings.
- Attend a free concert or event at the park.
- Visit the Orlando Science Center (an admission fee is required, but there are some free days throughout the year).
Tips for visiting Lake Eola Park
- The best time to visit Lake Eola Park is in the morning or evening when the weather is cooler.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings from theft.
- If you’re visiting with children, always keep an eye on them, especially around the water.
2. Explore Harry P. Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical garden located in the heart of Orlando, Florida. In addition to being home to a wide variety of plants and flowers from all over the world, as well as a historic mansion and a variety of walking trails, the gardens offer an enchanting escape for visitors. Furthermore, the gardens are open to the public year-round, and admission is free, making it one of the most delightful things to do in Orlando for free.
Important Information
- Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Free
Highlights
- The Rose Garden: The Rose Garden is one of the most popular attractions at Leu Gardens. It features over 500 roses of all different varieties and colors.
- The Butterfly Garden: The Butterfly Garden is a great place to see butterflies up close. It is home to over 50 different species of butterflies, including the rare Blue Morpho butterfly.
- The Japanese Garden: The Japanese Garden is a peaceful and serene place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. It features a koi pond, a waterfall, and a variety of Japanese plants and flowers.
- The Palm Garden: The Palm Garden is home to a wide variety of palm trees worldwide. It is a great place to learn about different palm tree types and see them up close.
- The Leu House Museum: The Leu House Museum is a historic mansion built in 1886. It is open to the public for tours and features a variety of exhibits on the history of the Leu family and the gardens.
Tips for Harry P. Leu Gardens
- Check the website before you go: The Leu Gardens website has information on upcoming events, exhibits, special hours, and closures.
- Take advantage of the free tours: The Leu Gardens offers free tours of the Leu House Museum and the gardens. Tours are a great way to learn more about the history of the gardens and the different plants and flowers on display.
- Visit during the off-season: The Leu Gardens are busiest during winter, when many people visit Orlando to escape the cold weather. You will enjoy smaller crowds and cooler temperatures if you can visit during the off-season.
- Pack a picnic: The Leu Gardens have several picnic areas to enjoy a lunch or snack. This is a great way to save money on food and drinks.
3. Visit the Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center, a nonprofit science and technology museum located in Orlando, Florida, stands as the largest science museum in the southeastern United States and is undeniably one of Orlando’s popular tourist attractions. In addition, the Science Center boasts four floors of interactive exhibits covering a variety of science and technology topics, including the human body, space, dinosaurs, and the environment. Moreover, this remarkable institution offers an educational and entertaining experience for visitors. Best of all, admission to the Orlando Science Center is free, making it an excellent addition to your list of “things to do in Orlando for free.
Important Information
- Address: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
- Admission: Adults: $29; Children (ages 3-11): $19; Seniors (ages 65+): $24
- Parking: Free
Highlights
- Planetarium: The Orlando Science Center has a state-of-the-art planetarium that offers a variety of educational and entertaining shows about the universe.
- Science Playground: The Science Playground is a hands-on exhibit area for children ages 3-8. It features a variety of interactive exhibits that teach children about science and engineering concepts through play.
- Dr. Phillips CineDome Theater: The Dr. Phillips CineDome Theater is a giant-screen theater that shows a variety of educational and entertaining films about science and nature.
- Science on a Sphere: Science on a Sphere is a unique exhibit that features a giant, animated globe that projects images and data about the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land surface.
- Space Shuttle Simulator: The Space Shuttle Simulator allows visitors to experience the feeling of launching into space and landing in a space shuttle.
Tips for Visiting the Orlando Science Center
- Purchase your tickets in advance: You can purchase your tickets to the Orlando Science Center online or at the box office. Purchasing your tickets in advance can save you time and money, especially if you are visiting during peak season.
- Arrive early: The Orlando Science Center can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early will give you more time to explore the exhibits and avoid the crowds.
- Take your time: There is much to see and do at the Orlando Science Center. Don’t rush, and take your time to enjoy the exhibits.
- Take breaks: The Orlando Science Center is a large museum, so it is important to take breaks throughout your visit. There are several places to sit and rest and a food court where you can purchase snacks and drinks.
- Wear comfortable shoes: A lot of walking is involved in visiting the Orlando Science Center.
- Take advantage of the free programs: The Orlando Science Center offers a variety of free programs for visitors of all ages. These programs include workshops, demonstrations, and storytime sessions.
- Visit during the off-season: The Orlando Science Center is busiest during the winter months when many people are visiting Orlando to escape the cold weather. You will enjoy smaller crowds and cooler temperatures if you can visit during the off-season.
- Pack a lunch or snack: The Orlando Science Center has a food court where you can purchase snacks and drinks, which can be expensive. Packing a lunch or snack can save you money and give you more options.
4. Take a walk or bike ride on the West Orange Trail
The West Orange Trail, a 22-mile paved rail trail that gracefully winds through the heart of Orange County, Florida, is a beloved destination for walkers, bikers, and skaters of all ages. Furthermore, the trail, mostly shaded, provides a refreshing escape and scenic views of the enchanting Florida countryside. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or an invigorating bike ride, the West Orange Trail offers a delightful outdoor experience. And the best part? It’s free, making it a wonderful addition to your list of things to do in Orlando for free.
Important Information
- Start and end points: The West Orange Trail starts at Killarney Station in Oakland, Florida, and ends at Apopka Station in Apopka, Florida.
- Distance: The West Orange Trail is 22 miles long.
- Surface: The West Orange Trail is paved.
- Elevation gain: The West Orange Trail is relatively flat, with only a few minor elevation gains.
- Accessibility: The West Orange Trail is accessible to wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Highlights
- Scenic views: The West Orange Trail winds through various landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and farmland. There are also several lakes and rivers that the trail passes by.
- Wildlife: The West Orange Trail is a great place to see Florida wildlife. Visitors may see birds, squirrels, deer, and even alligators.
- Historic sites: The West Orange Trail passes by several historic sites, including the Oakland Nature Preserve and the Killarney Station.
- Food and drink: Several restaurants and cafes are located near the trail, making it easy to stop for a bite to eat or drink.
Tips for taking a walk or bike ride on the West Orange Trail
- Yield to pedestrians: Pedestrians have the right of way on the West Orange Trail.
- Obey all traffic laws: The West Orange Trail is considered a road, so all traffic laws apply.
- Choose a time of day when the trail is less crowded: The West Orange Trail can be very crowded during the weekends and holidays. Choose a time of day when the trail is less crowded, such as early or late in the afternoon.
- Take breaks: The West Orange Trail is 22 miles long, so taking breaks throughout your walk or bike ride is essential. Several benches and picnic tables are located along the trail where you can rest and refuel.
- Bring a bike lock: If you rent a bike, bring a bike lock. Several bike racks are located along the trail where you can lock up your bike while you stop to rest or eat.
- Be aware of the weather: The weather in Florida can change quickly, so it is important to be aware of the forecast before you go for a walk or bike ride. If possible, avoid going for a walk or bike ride during thunderstorms or other severe weather conditions.
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About Elsie Young 
World traveler
18 connections, 0 recommendations, 55 honor points.Joined APSense since, November 1st, 2023, From New York, United States.
Created on Apr 16th 2024 08:03. Viewed 51 times.
